Coastal community with an artsy small-town vibe
More than just a tranquil beach haven, Hanapepe is known as “Kaua’i’s Biggest Little Town.” Home to a marina, artist galleries and shops in its quaint town center, Hanapepe is so endearing that it inspired the setting for Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. “It’s just like what it feels like in the movie: small, friendly and hot, with great beaches right off the highway,” says Carolyn Price, a Realtor with Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty who lives on the island. “Everyone knows each other. There’s a strong sense of genuine community.” With its waterfront appeal, creative spirit and scenic tropical atmosphere, Hanapepe is for more than just tourists — this area’s small-town feel makes it popular with homebuyers looking to put down roots.
Tropical homes from the mid- to late-20th century
This neighborhood is home to cozy post-war houses situated on palm tree-peppered lawns. “The houses in Hanapepe tend toward the cute and compact, with single-wall construction,” Price says. Some sit close together on narrow neighborhood lots, while others are built directly along canals. In true tropical fashion, pastel paint jobs and yards teeming with verdant greenery are common features, alongside back patios or balconies where residents can sip on their morning coffee while basking in the coastal air. Homes selling for under $400,000 are rare and typically require repairs. Instead, buyers can expect an average price of around $700,000 for a three-bedroom ranch-style from the 1970s, while newer or more spacious two-story builds can ask for upwards of $1 million.
A quaint downtown captures Hanapepe’s artistic vibe
At the heart of town along Hanapepe Road is a cluster of colorful shops and restaurants alongside a smattering of galleries and studios that have earned the town its reputation as the arts capital of Kaua’i. The town comes to life every Friday for its weekly Arts Night, where the entire community celebrates local artisans with live music and good eats. Residents don’t have to wait until the week's end to explore their town’s unique offerings, however. Hanapepe is famously home to the westernmost bookstore in the US, Talk Story Bookstore, which is well-loved by locals and tourists alike. Dining options are also a short walk from the shore, whether that means enjoying authentic Mexican fare on Paco Taco’s brightly painted picnic tables or grabbing a pastry and a coffee on the go from Midnight Bear Breads. For everyday groceries, locals head down to Ele’ele Shopping Center, where they can grab daily goods from Big Save Market and pick up prescriptions from Longs Drugs.
ParksSet out on a boat or sun on the shore
To enjoy the nearby shore, residents picnic under pavilions at Salt Pond Park, where a quiet inlet of beachfront is met by calm waters inside a natural lagoon. It’s the perfect escape for meditative shoreline strolls or launching out in a kayak. East of Salt Pond Park, the Port Allen Commercial Pier is equipped with docking slips, a boat launch and a walkable arm of lava rock reaching out into the ocean. Seasoned anglers and amateur fishermen alike love having the Port Allen Fishing Club close to home, where they can launch their boats from the Port Allen Small Boat Harbor or join one of many sportfishing expeditions. Those who prefer other sports can head to the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center. Located in the heart of town, locals can cheer on baseball games or join a pickup tennis match, all within view of the scenic shoreline.
Kids attend well-established schools near home
Public school students in Hanapepe can walk to Ele’ele Elementary, which scores a B-minus from Niche, before moving up to C-rated Waimea Canyon Middle. Waimea High earns an overall grade of B and, founded in 1881, is also the oldest school on the island of Kaua’i.
Island travel along Kaua’i’s southern shore
The town sits along the Kaumauli'i Highway, the longest road on Kaua’i that gives residents an easy route around the island. Kaua’i buses stop along the major road, offering service along the south shore to Lihue, where flights depart from Lihue Airport to the US mainland and the other Hawaiian islands. In case of emergency, Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital is approximately 10 minutes west of town.
Unique coastal concerns are a consideration for homeowners
The name Hanapepe means “crushed bay” in Hawaiian, which is believed to be in reference to the landslides that can occur near the coast. Homebuyers should also be aware that the area may be at risk of flooding.
Photography Contributed By
Harry Antipala
